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Crispy Hot Honey Jalapeño Poppers

crispy hot honey jalapeño poppers - featured image

These Crispy Hot Honey Jalapeño Poppers combine a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and creaminess with a crispy coating, making them an irresistible spicy appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 large fresh jalapeños, halved and seeded
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (100g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups (150g) panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
  • Vegetable oil for frying (canola or peanut oil recommended)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) hot honey
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Wash jalapeños, slice in half lengthwise, and remove seeds and membranes. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. Stuff each jalapeño half generously with the cheese mixture and place on a plate or baking sheet.
  4. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Pat stuffed jalapeños dry with paper towels.
  5. Coat each stuffed jalapeño in flour, shake off excess, dip into beaten eggs, then roll in panko breadcrumbs pressing lightly to adhere. Place on wire rack or plate.
  6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to about 2 inches deep until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  7. Fry the breaded jalapeños in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  8. In a small saucepan, combine hot honey, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Warm over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and glaze thickens slightly (3-5 minutes). Remove from heat.
  9. Drizzle the warm brown sugar glaze over the fried poppers and serve immediately.

Notes

Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F (175°C) to avoid burning or greasy poppers. Pat jalapeños dry before breading for better coating adhesion. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature. Drizzle glaze just before serving to keep poppers crispy. Leftovers can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño poppers, hot honey, spicy appetizer, crispy, cheesy, fried jalapeños, party snacks